System and method for metered dosing vaporizer

ABSTRACT

Provided is a system and method for a dosing vaporizer. More specifically, an embodiment of the system includes a housing with a first end opposite from a second end. A mouthpiece disposed proximate to the first end, the mouthpiece structured and arranged to rotate about the first end. An attacher disposed proximate to the second end, the attacher structured and arranged for removable attachment to a power source. A reservoir of liquid concentrate is disposed within the housing. A vaporizer disposed proximate to the attacher and thermally isolated from the reservoir. A vapor conduit passes generally from the vaporizer through the housing to the mouthpiece. A metered rotation driven dispenser, coupled to the mouthpiece, applies a predetermined force upon the reservoir to dispense from the reservoir into the vaporizer a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/002,131 filed Mar. 30, 2020 and entitledSYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOSING VAPORIZER, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

In addition, the following patent applications and patents areincorporated by reference herein in their entireties: U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/391,829 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGINGCONCENTRATE USAGE OF A USER (hereinafter “'829 App”), U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/592,674 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGINGCONCENTRATE USAGE OF A USER (hereinafter “'674 App”), U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/660,974 entitled SMART VAPORIZER AND SYSTEM FORCONCENTRATE PRODUCTS (hereinafter “'974 App”), U.S.

Patent Application Ser. No. 62/721,699 entitled VAPORIZER CARTRIDGESYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE (hereinafter “'699 App”), U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/541,062 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FORVAPORIZING CARTRIDGE SYSTEM WITH DIFFUSER (hereinafter “'062 App”), U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/559,556 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FORDETERMINING AN APPROPRIATE DOSE OF A PRODUCT (hereinafter “'556 App”),and U.S. Pat. No. 10,888,665 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-MODALDOSING DEVICE (hereinafter “'665 Patent”), U.S. Pat. No. 10,888,666entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-MODAL DOSING DEVICE (hereinafter“'666 Patent”), and U.S. Pat. No. 10,834,967 entitled SYSTEM AND METHODFOR MANAGING CONCENTRATE USAGE OF A USER (hereinafter “'967 Patent”).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a dosing vaporizer systemstructured and arranged so as to provide a dose of a given product in aninhalable form to a user. The product is generally understood to be aliquid or oil concentrate. In particular, the present invention presentsa system for the precise dosing of a product by providing aself-contained vaporizer, reservoir, and dosing system.

BACKGROUND

Often referred to as e-cigarettes, hand held vaporizers, “vapes” or thelike, the general device is understood and appreciated to be a hand-heldelectronic device that provides a user with a vapor for medical orrecreational inhalation. In general, these devices are generallyunderstood to comprise an electrically activated vaporizer, within ahousing that provides a mouthpiece and typically encloses a cartridge orreservoir of the material to be vaporized.

For some models the battery powering the vaporizer may be removable,while in others it is permanent. Of course, the batteries may berechargeable as well.

With a traditional smoking device where fire is used to combust amaterial into smoke, as with a pipe, cigarette or cigar, the inhalationby the user draws air through the burning medium which furthers theburning action, and creates the draw of smoke.

With vaporizer devices, although the draw of air by the user may be usedto trigger device operation, the transition of the inhaled substancefrom an initial state to a vapor state is not accomplished by fire. Mostcommonly, the material to be vaporized is provided in a liquid form—suchas an oil based liquid, that serves as a transport medium to initiallystore the inhalant compound, and later convey the inhalant compound intoa vaporizer element such that the liquid is transformed into a vapor forinhalation by the user.

Because of differing product characteristics current vaporizer solutionsmay or may not involve additional thinning agents—i.e., propyleneglycol, vegetable glycerin, etc. More specifically, many productsutilized in vaporizers rely upon a thinning agent in order toefficiently transport product to the vaporizer element—such as a heatingcoil in contact with or closely adjacent to a ceramic or metallicsurface upon which the solution for vaporization is deposited.

With the increasing proliferation of plant based medicinal products,proper dosage is an important part of patient care for consistent andreliable treatment of a given condition or ailment. Indeed, in somecases different dosages of the same product may be appropriate fordifferent conditions or ailments, thus further emphasizing theimportance of proper product dosing for a specific condition or ailment.

Some vaporizing devices have intentionally positioned the reservoir ofconcentrate close to the heating element of the vaporizer, or otherheating element so as to intentionally heat the concentrate within thereservoir/cartridge, so as to facilitate easy flow or wicking of theconcentrate into the vaporizing element. In some cases, heating coilshave even been disposed within or around at least a portion of thereservoir.

Although this was initially believed to be helpful, it has been realizedthat this additional and repeated heating can degrade the concentratematerial leading to a breakdown or chemical change of the concentrate.This breakdown may result in decreased effectiveness and/or enjoyment ofthe vaporized concentrate, as well as other issues that are only justnow being realized within the vaporization industry. Furthermore, thewick material, typically cotton, breaks down over use and has a negativeimpact on the flavor of the vapor.

As the vapor is provided from a liquid, not a burning product, it isalso appreciated that the concentration of the inhalant, nicotine, CBD,or other compound, is largely dependent on the concentration provided inthe liquid, and how much of that liquid is then dispensed and vaporized.Indeed, without accurate dispensing great variation from onevaporization to the next may occur.

Further, as variations of concentration may exist from one batch ormanufacturer to another, precise dispensing, or dosing, is an importantfactor in reliable and repeatable vaporizing device usage. Moreover, fora given cartridge or reservoir of a vaporizable concentrate or product,for the using party to appreciate the benefits as truly intended it ishighly desirable for the vaporizing system to achieve the samevaporizing affect upon all doses administered from the cartridge orreservoir, unless or until the user or other party intentionally directsa change, such as an alteration of dosing quantity, vaporizingtemperature, vaporizing duration, etc.

Although some devices have attempted to provide dosage and vaporizationbased on inhalation as with a traditional smoking experience, suchdevices are subject to wild variability as the user may be completelyunaware and unable to adjust the concentration of the product within theliquid suspension.

Hence there is a need for a method and system that is capable ofovercoming one or more of the above identified challenges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Our invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a noveldosing vaporizer system to provide controlled dosage delivery of theproduct, while maintaining the integrity of the yet to be used productin a safe and efficacious manner.

In particular, and by way of example only, according to at least oneembodiment, provided is a metered dosing vaporizer system including: ahousing providing a first end and opposite thereto a second end; amouthpiece disposed proximate to the first end, the mouthpiecestructured and arranged to rotate about the first end; an attacherdisposed proximate to the second end, the attacher structured andarranged for removable attachment to a power source; a reservoir ofliquid concentrate within the housing; a vaporizer disposed proximate tothe attacher and thermally isolated from the reservoir; a vapor conduitpassing generally from the vaporizer, through the housing to themouthpiece; and a metered rotation driven dispenser structured andarranged to apply a predetermined force upon the reservoir to dispensefrom the reservoir into the vaporizer a predetermined amount of liquidconcentrate, wherein the metered rotation driven dispenser is coupled tothe mouthpiece.

In yet another embodiment, provided is a metered dosing vaporizer systemincluding: a housing providing a first end and opposite thereto a secondend; a mouthpiece disposed proximate to the first end, the mouthpiecestructured and arranged to rotate about the first end; a 510 batteryconnector disposed proximate to the second end, the battery connectorstructured and arranged for removable attachment to a battery; areservoir of liquid concentrate within the housing; a vaporizer disposedproximate to the 510 battery connector and thermally isolated from thereservoir; a central vapor conduit passing generally from the vaporizer,through the housing to the mouthpiece; an aperture disposed between thereservoir and the vaporizer; and a screw plunger structured and arrangedto apply a predetermined force upon the reservoir to dispense from theaperture a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate into thevaporizer, the rotation of the mouthpiece inducing a degree of rotationto the screw plunger, the degree of rotation pre-selected to advance theplunger against the liquid concentrate of the reservoir to dispense thepredetermined amount of the liquid concentrate.

For yet another embodiment, provided is a metered dosing vaporizersystem including: a handheld device having a first end and oppositethereto a second end, with a longitudinal axis therebetween; the firstend defined by a mouthpiece structured and arranged for one way rotationabout the longitudinal axis; the second end defined by an attacher,structured and arranged for removable attachment to a power source; ahousing disposed between the mouthpiece and the attacher, the housing atleast partially enclosing: a reservoir of liquid concentrate; avaporizer disposed proximate to the attacher and thermally isolated fromthe reservoir; a vapor conduit coupling the vaporizer to the mouthpiece;a metered dispenser structured and arranged to dispense from thereservoir into the vaporizer a predetermined amount of liquidconcentrate upon a pre-selected degree of rotation of the mouthpiece;and an activator, structured and arranged to activate the vaporizer bypermitting a connection between the vaporizer and the power source for afirst period of time, the power permitting the vaporizer to generateheat and vaporize the predetermined amount of liquid concentratedispensed.

For still yet another embodiment, provide is a metered dosing vaporizersystem including: a housing providing a first end and opposite thereto asecond end; a mouthpiece disposed proximate to the first end, themouthpiece structured and arranged for one way rotation about the firstend; a removable power source disposed proximate to the second end; areservoir of liquid concentrate within the housing; a vaporizer disposedproximate to the power source and thermally isolated from the reservoir;a central vapor conduit passing generally from the vaporizer, throughthe housing to the mouthpiece; and a metered rotation driven dispenserstructured and arranged to apply a predetermined force upon thereservoir to dispense from the reservoir into the vaporizer apredetermined amount of liquid concentrate, the metered rotation drivendispenser coupled to the mouthpiece.

And further still, for another embodiment, provided is a method forvaporizing a metered dose of a product, including: providing a housingproviding; a first end and opposite thereto a second end; a mouthpiecedisposed proximate to the first end, the mouthpiece structured andarranged to rotate about the first end; an attacher disposed proximateto the second end, the attacher structured and arranged for removableattachment to a power source; a reservoir of liquid concentrate withinthe housing; a vaporizer disposed proximate to the attacher andthermally isolated from the reservoir; an vapor conduit passinggenerally from the vaporizer, through the housing to the mouthpiece; ametered rotation driven dispenser structured and arranged to apply apredetermined force upon the reservoir to dispense from the reservoirinto the vaporizer a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate, themetered rotation driven dispenser coupled to the mouthpiece; rotatingthe mouthpiece to activate the metered rotation driven dispenser todispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate into thevaporizer; and activating the vaporizer to vaporize the dispensed liquidconcentrate into a vapor that is provided to a user through themouthpiece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A & 1B illustrate perspective views of embodiments of a MeteredDosing System Vaporizer in an initial state and a depleted state inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A & 2B illustrate perspective views of yet other embodiments of aMetered Dosing System Vaporizer in an initial state and a depleted statein accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the Metered Dosing System Vaporizeras shown in FIG. 2A in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 presents a cut through illustration of a Metered Dosing SystemVaporizer and more specifically the metered rotation driven dispenserand the thermally isolated vaporization chamber in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C provide partial cut through perspective sections ofthe Metered Dosing System Vaporizer shown in FIG. 2 further illustratingthe shutter in operation in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 presents a partial side perspective view of an embodiment ofMetered Dosing System Vaporizer having a valve in place of a shutter inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 presents a partial side perspective view of an embodiment ofMetered Dosing System Vaporizer as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C wherein theleading edge of the shutter fin is raised in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 presents yet another embodiment of Metered Dosing SystemVaporizer having a non-circular cross section in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 presents an exploded view of the Metered Dosing System Vaporizeras shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before proceeding with the detailed description, it is to be appreciatedthat the present teaching is by way of example only, not by limitation.The concepts herein are not limited to use or application with aspecific dosing vaporizer system. Thus, although the instrumentalitiesdescribed herein are for the convenience of explanation shown anddescribed with respect to exemplary embodiments, it will be understoodand appreciated that the principles herein may be applied equally inother types of systems involving dosing vaporizer systems.

This invention is described with respect to preferred embodiments in thefollowing description with reference to the Figures, in which likenumbers represent the same or similar elements. Further, with respect tothe numbering of the same or similar elements, it will be appreciatedthat the leading values identify the Figure in which the element isfirst identified and described, e.g., element 100 first appears in FIG.1.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1A and 1B which show two perspectiveviews of at least one embodiment for a Metered Dosing System vaporizer,hereinafter MDSV 100. FIG. 1A, the top view, being an initial state ofMDSV 100, and the bottom FIG. 1B being a final/depleted state of MDSV100.

To facilitate the description of systems and methods for this MDSV 100the orientation of MDSV 100, as presented in the figures, is referencedto the coordinate system with three axes orthogonal to one another asshown in FIG. 1. The axes intersect mutually at the origin of thecoordinate system, which is chosen to be the center of MDSV 100, howeverthe axes shown in all figures are offset from their actual locations forclarity and ease of illustration.

As shown, for at least one embodiment, the MDSV 100 is provide at leastin part by a housing 102 providing a first end 104 and opposite theretoa second end 106. A mouthpiece 108 is disposed proximate to the firstend 104, and structured and arranged to rotate about the first end 104.More specifically, MDSV 100 may be appreciated to have a longitudinalaxis 110, the mouthpiece 108 rotating about the first end 104 withrespect to the longitudinal axis 110.

An attacher 112 is disposed proximate to the second end 106 and isstructured and arranged for removable attachment to a power source, suchas a battery, not shown. As is further described below, for at least oneembodiment the attacher 112 is a threaded coupling. In alternativeembodiment, the attacher 112 is a snap-on coupling. Moreover, as opposeto devices which incorporate a power source within their structure, itis to be appreciated that embodiments of MDSV 100 are intended to beremovably coupled to a remote power source such as a battery, and morespecifically for some embodiments a 510 type battery. The removal of thebattery from the internal or integrated components of MDSV 100advantageously simplifies many factors, including but not limited tocost of fabrication, weight for shipping, and issues as may beassociated with the safety and transport of some types of batteries. Inaddition, as the MDSV 100 and power source are separate elements, abattery is not potentially wasted simply because the MDSV 100 has beendepleted, and likewise, MDSV 100 is not potentially wasted because thepower source has been exhausted.

Within the housing 102 is shown a reservoir 114 of concentrate 116. Theterm “concentrate,” as used herein, may include substances in the formof chemicals, distillates, and isolates. Moreover, as used herein, theterms “liquid concentrate,” “concentrate,” “extruded liquidconcentrate,” un-dispensed concentrate,” “different liquid concentrates”and variants thereof simply refer to fluid contained in the reservoir116 and are therefore (in most instances) interchangeable. Examples ofthe concentrate include vaporizable pharmaceuticals or medications, suchas tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes, cannabidiol (CBD), and otherconstituents of cannabinoids, as well as substances based on, orcontaining, nicotine. In many instances, the concentrate 116 may be of atype wherein exposure to air is undesirable for a variety of reasons,including but not limited to drying and oxidation. As such, it is anaspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide anair tight seal for reservoir 114 so as to preserve the liquidconcentrate 116 therein.

For the sake of ease of illustration and discussion, the concentrate 116is represented by dots, however the space between dots is not intendedto show or indicate a lack of concentrate 116 within the reservoir 114.For at least one embodiment the concentrate 116 is understood andappreciated to be a liquid concentrate. It will be further understoodand appreciated that the liquid concentrate 116 may have a viscosityranging from very low, a centipoise at or less than 1 (e.g., water) tovery high, a centipoise at or above 100,000 (e.g. a paste). For at leastone embodiment the liquid concentrate 116 is a nicotine liquidconcentrate. For at least one alternative embodiment the liquidconcentrate 116 is a CBD liquid concentrate. For yet another embodimentthe liquid concentrate 116 is a pharmaceutical liquid concentrate.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a vaporizer 118 is also disposed proximateto the attacher 112. As used herein, it will be understood andappreciated that “vaporizer” is a device, component or assemblage ofparts that are structured and arranged to vaporize/atomize a liquidprovided by the reservoir 114 into a vapor for inhalation through themouthpiece 108. Embodiments of a vaporizer 118 are more fully set forthbelow with respect to FIG. 2.

As is further set forth below, in varying embodiments the vaporizer 118may be a ceramic or other thermal material configured as a heatingchamber or platform. For at least one embodiment the heating chamber orplatform may be configured with a heating coil disposed therein. Theheating chamber or platform may also be configured as an area providinga screen, mesh or other thermally conductive porous material into whichthe liquid concentrate 116 is disposed and dispersed.

Whether the liquid concentrate 116 is dispensed/dispersed into, onto oracross the various chamber or platform elements, energy, typically inthe form of heat, is applied by an electric heater proximate thereto, orother element which is structured and arranged to vaporize a dispensedquantity of the liquid concentrate 116 into a vapor which is thenprovided to the user through a vapor conduit 120 presenting to anopening 122 in the mouthpiece 108.

It will be understood and appreciated that the heating element itselfmay be incorporated as an integral component of the of the heatingchamber or platform such that the same element receiving the dispensedliquid concentrate is also primarily responsible for achieving thevaporization thereof. Sonic or vibratory nebulization, or the like, mayalso be suitable in various embodiments, as well as infrared energy suchas may be provided from a light source, such as but not limited to adiode.

As the vaporizer 118 is shown proximate to the attacher 112 and oppositefrom the mouthpiece 108, it is appreciated that within MDSV 100 is avapor conduit 120 passing generally from the vaporizer 118 through thehousing 102 to the mouthpiece 108. For at least one embodiment, thevapor conduit 120 is disposed substantially along the longitudinal axis110. For yet another embodiment, the vapor conduit 120 may be disposedto one side of the inside of the housing 102, or as a series of conduitsthat are in varying combinations, central and or along the sides.

A metered rotation driven dispenser 124 is also shown, disposed withinthe housing 102, and structured and arranged to apply a predeterminedforce upon the reservoir 114 to dispense from the reservoir 114 into thevaporizer 118 a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate 116. It willbe appreciated that the metered rotation driven dispenser 124 is coupledto the mouthpiece 108, such that rotation of the mouthpiece 108 drivesthe metered rotation driven dispenser 124. It will also be understoodand appreciated from the figures that rotation of the mouthpiece 108 isgenerally about the longitudinal axis 110.

It will also be appreciated that MDSV 100 is a portable device and isintended for handheld use and operation by a human user. As used herein“handheld” will be understood and appreciated as designed to be held andused by hand.

FIG. 1A represents an initial state of MDSV 100 with the reservoir 114essentially full of liquid concentrate 116. In FIG. 1B, the mouthpiece108 has been rotated many times and the screw shaft 130 is now exposedto further illustrate that the screw plunger 126 has advanced down suchthat the threaded shaft of the screw plunger is now exposed to furtherillustrate that the rotation driven dispenser has advanced down andexpelled substantially all of the liquid concentrate 116 from thereservoir 114—the MDSV 100 now being in a depleted state.

It will further be understood and appreciated, that the rotation of themouthpiece 108 is limited to one direction: that is, for at least oneembodiment the mouthpiece 108 can only be rotated clockwise, such thatthe metered rotation driven dispenser 124 cannot be backed up. Ofcourse, for at least one alternative embodiment, the mouthpiece 108 canalso be configured for counter-clockwise rotation to drive the meteredrotation driven dispenser 124. Moreover, the rotation may be eitherclockwise or counter-clockwise, but not both.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that as the metered rotationdriven dispenser is an active mechanical device, it actively providesaccurate and repeatable dispensation of consistently known quantities ofthe liquid concentrate 116 from the reservoir 114 by extrusion. This isin sharp contrast to, and highly advantageous over, many conventionalsystems which rely on the passive property of a wick to passively drawconcentrate from a reservoir by capillary action.

In varying embodiments, MDSV 100 may provide a unique identifier 140,that may be scanned, read, or otherwise interpreted by a user, or acomputing device such as a smart phone in the user's possession. Theunique identifier may be provided to advantageously identify the MDSV100 as well as specifically identify the liquid concentrate 116contained therein. The unique identifier may be a compound elementproviding general or group information, e.g., company or DVS 100 model,as well as a unique component that may serve to uniquely identify theMDSV 100, user, liquid concentrate 116, or such other information as maybe deemed relevant. For at least one embodiment, the unique identifier140 is correlated to at least one database for the informationassociated therewith.

With respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B, it will be appreciated that the threads142 of the screw shaft 130 are disposed above the reservoir 114 with theplunger seal 132 having a spacer 144 to permit the threads 142 to remainremoved from the reservoir 114. For the embodiment of MDSV 100 as shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B, the vapor conduit 120 passes through the screw shaft130. For at least one embodiment, the lower portion 146 of the screwshaft 130 that is disposed through the reservoir 114 (See FIG. 1A) willrotate as well when the mouthpiece 108 is rotated, which as described infurth detail below may facilitate the operation of a shutter toalternatively expose and seal the aperture 128. For yet anotherembodiment, what appears as the lower portion 146 of the screw shaft isa separate tube structure aligned with, and fluidly coupled to, thescrew shaft 130.

FIGS. 2A and 2B present perspective views of MDSV 100 in accordance withyet another embodiment. As with FIGS. 1A and 1B described above, FIG. 2Arepresents an initial state of MDSV 100 with the reservoir 114essentially full of liquid concentrate 116. In FIG. 2B, the mouthpiece108 has been rotated many times and the screw shaft 130 is now exposedto further illustrate that the screw plunger 126 has advanced down suchthat the threaded shaft of the screw plunger is now exposed to furtherillustrate that the rotation driven dispenser has advanced down andexpelled substantially all of the liquid concentrate 116 from thereservoir 114—the MDSV 100 now being in a depleted state.

It will also be appreciated that in FIG. 2A the threads 200 of the screwshaft 130 are visible and pass through the reservoir 114. In contrast tothe embodiment of MDSV 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the alternativeembodiment of MSDV 100 depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B does not have aspacer 144. FIG. 1A also illustrates a shutter 202 disposed at thedistal end 204 of the screw shaft 130. As is described in greater detailbelow with respect to FIGS. 3, 4A-4C and 6, the shutter 202 has at leastone shutter fin 206 and operates to expose and seal an aperture 128,presently shown in dotted relief as it is below a shutter fin.

As noted, it is again understood and appreciated, that the rotation ofthe mouthpiece 108 is limited to one direction: that is, for at leastone embodiment the mouthpiece 108 can only be rotated clockwise, suchthat the metered rotation driven dispenser 124 cannot be backed up. Ofcourse, for at least one alternative embodiment, the mouthpiece 108 canalso be configured for counter-clockwise rotation to drive the meteredrotation driven dispenser 124. Moreover, the rotation may be eitherclockwise or counter-clockwise, but not both.

Insurance of one-way rotation/anti-backturn advantageously furtherpermits consistent and repeatable dispensation of the intended metereddose of liquid concentrate 116. Of course, alternative tactile oraudible indicators and one-way rotation elements, such as but notlimited to ratchets, may also be employed to inform the user of eachproper rotation, or fraction thereof and/or assure one-way rotation.

As may also be appreciated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, for the embodiment ofMDSV 100 as depicted, the engagement of the mouthpiece 108 to the screwshaft 130 further involves a spring 208 to provide an expansive forcebetween the mouthpiece 108 and the general housing 102. For at least oneembodiment, the dosing vaporizer system may also include an indicatorstructed and arranged to indicate to the user that he or she has rotatedthe mouthpiece a predetermined amount. Such an indicator may be aclicker—producing an audible click, and or vibration as a hapticindicator.

For at least one embodiment, a ratchet 210 may be employed to achieveone-direction rotation as well as to provide the tactile and/or audibleindicator for proper rotation of the mouthpiece 108 relative to thehousing 102. As is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the rachet 210 has aplurality of spring elements 212 with blocking elements 214 at theirdistal ends. A corresponding set of blocking receivers 216 (such as butnot limited to semi rectangular indents) are formed in the internalsidewall of the housing.

For the direction in which rotation is permitted, either or both theblocking elements 214 and blocking receivers 216 are structured andarranged to permit the blocking elements 214 to slide up and out of theblocking receivers 216 as the mouthpiece 108 is rotated. For thedirection in which rotation is not permitted either or both the blockingelements 214 and blocking receivers 216 are structured and arranged toprevent the blocking elements 214 from sliding up and out. For example,to permit rotation to occur between the mouthpiece 108 and housing 102,the corresponding side of the blocking peg 214 and or blocking receivers216 may be sloped to permit the blocking elements 214 to slide up andout.

In at least one embodiment the blocking elements 214 are the distal endof each spring element 212. For yet another embodiment, a peg, block orother element may be further formed at or otherwise connected to thedistal end of each spring element.

For yet another embodiment, there may be one or more internal ridges orelevation points disposed adjacent to one end of the spring 208 suchthat the mouthpiece 108 and housing 102 are rotated relative to oneanother, the spring is compressed during part of the rotation as thecoil slides over a ridge and then released as the end passes beyond theinternal ridge, providing a click and/or tactile sensation that aninterval of rotation has been achieved, corresponding to the delivery ofa metered amount of oil/concentrate. For at least one embodiment, therising and falling of the spring passing over one or more internalridges may also ensure one-way rotation, for if rotation is attempted inreverse, the end of the spring abuts into an internal ridge and haltsrotation.

For at least one alternative embodiment such a clicker may be providedby including a click plate between the mouthpiece 108 and the first end104 of the housing 102, the rotation of the mouthpiece in relation tothe click plate driving one or more spring loaded balls, or springbiased pins such that they click/hit/impact another surface as relativerotation places them up and over the tabs of a click plate. Such a clickplate is shown in the alternative embodiment presented in FIG. 7 and theexploded view thereof of FIG. 8 corresponding to an alternativeembodiment of a MDSV 100 as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 2C is a side view corresponding to the embodiment of MDSV 100 asshown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3 is a cross section view of MDSV 100 as shown inFIG. 2C. As is further illustrated and described with respect to FIGS.3-6, and especially FIG. 3 presenting a cross section view of at leastone embodiment for a MDSV 100, the metered rotation driven dispenser 124as shown in may be summarized as a screw plunger 126 structured andarranged to drive the liquid concentrate 116 from the reservoir 114through at least one aperture 128 or valve and into the vaporizer 118.More specifically, the screw plunger 126 is provided by at least a screwshaft 130 and a plunger seal 132.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that the screw plunger 126 is operableto apply a predetermined force upon the reservoir 114 to dispensethrough the at least one aperture 128 or valve a predetermined amount ofliquid concentrate into the vaporizer. More specifically, the rotationof the mouthpiece 108 induces a degree of rotation to the screw plunger126, and more specifically the screw shaft 130. The degree of rotationis pre-determined to advance the plunger seal 132 against the liquidconcentrate 116 of the reservoir 114 to dispense the predeterminedamount of the liquid concentrate. For at least one alternativeembodiment, the screw plunger 126 may provide external pressure againsta reservoir 114 in the form of a bag or otherwise collapsible housingsuch that the moving end of the plunger does not directly encounter theliquid concentrate 116, but rather compresses the outside of thereservoir 114.

For at least one embodiment, the mouthpiece 108 is coupled directly tothe metered rotation driven dispenser 124. More specifically, for atleast one embodiment the degree of rotation imparted to the mouthpiece108 is the same degree of rotation imparted to the screw shaft 130. Foryet another embodiment, a coupling drive system may be employed suchthat there is a translation of the degree of rotation of the mouthpiece108 and the resulting rotation of the screw shaft 130.

For at least one embodiment, the rotation driven dispenser 124 is acycloidal gear assembly as is set forth and described in the '665 Patentand the '666 Patent each incorporated herein by reference. Moreover, forat least one embodiment, cycloidal gear assembly provides advantageouslyhigh gear ratio (e.g., revolutions between the rotating mouthpiece 108and the rotation of the screw shaft 130 to impart lateral motion to theplunger seal 132, with low friction, high torque, compact size andexcellent wear resistance—desirable characteristics facilitatingconsistent extrusion of liquid concentrate 116 for consistent metereddosing.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a cycloidal gear assemblyis a form of toothed gear assembly based on epicycloid and hypocycloidcurves generated by a circle rolling around the outside or inside ofanother circle. When two toothed gears engage, an imaginary circle—thepitch circle—can be drawn around the center of either gear through thepoint of contact between their respective teeth. The curves of the teethoutside the pitch circle are known as the addenda and the curves of thetooth spaces inside the pitch circle are known as the dedenda. Moreover,the addendum of one gear rests inside the dedendum of the other gear.The addenda of the wheel teeth are convex epi-cycloidal and the dedendaof the pinion are concave hypocycloidal curves generated by the samegenerating circle. This ensures that the motion of one gear istransferred to the other at a locally consistent angular velocity.

For at least one alternative embodiment, the rotation driven dispenser124 is adapted from one or more embodiments of the screw plungerembodiment of the vaporizing cartridge with diffuser as is set forth anddescribed in '062 App for System and Method For Vaporizing CartridgeSystem With Diffuser (incorporated by reference).

Incorporated by Reference

For at least one embodiment, the plunger seal 132 forms or at leastpartially defines the upper end, or first end 134, of the reservoir 114opposite from the at least one aperture 128 or valve in the second end136. In addition, for at least one embodiment, the plunger seal 132 hascorresponding threads 300 (see FIG. 2, not shown in FIGS. 1A & 1B) tomate with the threads 202 the screw shaft 130.

It will be understood and appreciated that the pitch of the threads, orthread count per measured unit—Imperial (inches) or Metric (centimeters)—is preselected such that each quarter, half or full rotation of themouthpiece 108 results in a known and intended linear advancement of theplunger seal 132.

For at least one embodiment, the plunger seal 132 has an alignmentelement structured and arranged to keep the plunger seal 132 fromrotating within the housing as the screw shaft 130 is rotated. Moreover,the alignment element ensures that as the screw shaft 130 rotatesthrough the plunger seal 132, the corresponding threads 300 and 202ensure that the plunger seal 132 is driven towards the second end 136 ofthe reservoir 114. For at least one embodiment, the alignment element isthe cross-section geometry of the plunger seal 132 and the housing 102(e.g., non-circular). More specifically, the plunger seal 132 and theinside of the housing 102 may be formed with corresponding ovality, orovalness, e.g., corresponding non-circular shapes that permits theplunger seal 132 to move longitudinally within the housing 102 withoutfreely rotating. For yet another embodiment, the alignment element maybe a rail and grove arrangement as between the plunger seal 132 and thehousing 102.

Those skilled in the art will also realize and appreciate that changesto the thread pitch/thread count may be coordinated with the dimensionsof the reservoir to advantageously provide precise metered dosing. Morespecifically, the same screw shaft 130 may be used with multiple MDSV100 systems, however to accommodate proper product dosing betweendifferent MDSV 100 systems having different liquid concentrates, thedimensions of each respective reservoir 114 may be intentionallyadjusted such that the same linear advancement of the plunger seal 132results in an intentionally different, but predetermined quantity ofdifferent liquid concentrates being dispensed.

It is also to be appreciated that by physical space or a physicalisolator component such as thermal isolator 138—such as insulationmaterial—the vaporizer 118 is generally thermally isolated from thereservoir 114 of liquid concentrate 116. As such, the processes ofvaporizing the dispensed quantity of liquid concentrate 116 does notadversely impact (e.g., heat) the liquid concentrate 116 within thereservoir 114, which may result in undesirable degradation or change tothe liquid concentrate 116. In other words, it will be understood andappreciated that the liquid concentrate 116 is stored/located in thereservoir 114 that is physically removed and/or physically isolated fromthe vaporizer 118 such that heat as applied for the process ofvaporization to dispensed liquid concentrate, the heat is nottransmitted to the remaining liquid concentrate 116 contained in thereservoir 114.

Such isolation may be achieved by physical separation, thermalshielding, insulation or the transition of materials. It is of courseunderstood and appreciated that as the dosing vaporizer system is asmall and integrated device, some percentage of heat transfer may occurfrom the vaporizer 118 to the reservoir 114. However, for purposes ofthis disclosure and the embodiments contemplated hereunder, thermalisolation between the reservoir 114 and the vaporizer 118 is understoodand appreciated to be those conditions where any heat transfer that doesoccur between reservoir 114 and the vaporizer 118 (and most specificallythe vaporizing chamber shown and described in FIG. 2) has asubstantially negligible effect upon the liquid concentrate 116 withinthe reservoir 114.

With respect to the above description, it will be understood andappreciated that a DVS 100 for at least one embodiment may be summarizedas including: a housing 102 providing a first end 104 and oppositethereto a second end 106; a mouthpiece 108 disposed proximate to thefirst end 104, the mouthpiece 108 structured and arranged to rotateabout the first end 104; an attacher 112 disposed proximate to thesecond end 106, the attacher 112 structured and arranged for removableattachment to a power source; a reservoir 114 of liquid concentrate 116within the housing 102; a vaporizer 118 disposed proximate to theattacher 112 and thermally isolated from the reservoir 114; a vaporconduit 120 passing generally from the vaporizer, through the housing102 to the mouthpiece 108; and a metered rotation driven dispenserstructured and arranged to apply a predetermined force upon thereservoir 114 to dispense from the reservoir 114 into the vaporizer apredetermined amount of liquid concentrate 116, the metered rotationdriven dispenser coupled to the mouthpiece 108.

Yet another embodiment of MDSV 100 may be summarized as including: ahousing 102 providing a first end 104 and opposite thereto a second end106; a mouthpiece 108 disposed proximate to the first end 104, themouthpiece 108 structured and arranged to rotate about the first end104; a 510 battery connector disposed proximate to the second end 106,the battery connector structured and arranged for removable attachmentto a battery; a reservoir 114 of liquid concentrate 116 within thehousing 102; a vaporizer 118 disposed proximate to the 510 batteryconnector and thermally isolated from the reservoir 114; a central vaporconduit 120 passing generally from the vaporizer, through the housing102 to the mouthpiece 108; an aperture 128 disposed between thereservoir 114 and the vaporizer; and a screw plunger structured andarranged to apply a predetermined force upon the reservoir 114 todispense from the aperture 128 a predetermined amount of liquidconcentrate 116 into the vaporizer, the rotation of the mouthpiece 108inducing a degree of rotation to the screw plunger, the degree ofrotation pre-selected to advance the screw plunger 126 against theliquid concentrate 116 of the reservoir 114 to dispense thepredetermined amount of the liquid concentrate 116.

As noted above, the aperture 128 may have a valve disposed therein, or avalve may be provided as a structure in place of the aperture 128. Forat least one embodiment where a valve is provided within or in place ofthe aperture 128, the valve is at a first one-way valve. Varyingembodiments may include a plurality of valves, and or one-way valves inparallel or series arrangement. Such configurations may be desired forease of manufacturing, to better accommodate different liquidviscosities, to provide an airless pump chamber, or for other designparameters deemed beneficial for precise operation of the dosingvaporizer system.

For at least one embodiment, the aperture 128 is gated by a shutter206—a mechanism or element structured and arranged to shut and open theaperture 128. Moreover, the shutter 206 allows liquid concentrate 116 topass through the aperture 128 for a determined period of time before theaperture 128 is closed and the ability of the liquid concentrate 116 topass, halted. In other words, the shutter 206 exposes the aperture 128and then covers or otherwise seals the aperture 128. When exposed, theaperture 128 permits liquid concentrate 116 to be extruded therethroughso as to be deposited into the vaporizing chamber 306. When covered orclosed, accidental or inadvertent leakage of the liquid concentrate 116is essentially prevented such that liquid concentrate 116 does notinadvertently enter the vaporizing chamber 306 except in direct responseto a dosing event.

For at least one embodiment the shutter 206 is provided by one or moreshutter fins 208. For at least one embodiment, the distal end 204 of thescrew shaft 130 may provide one or more shutter fins 208. Morespecifically, as the screw shaft 130 rotates, each shutter fin 208rotates as well, and in so doing exposes and then seals each of the atleast one aperture(s) 128 or valve(s), permitting the liquid concentrate116 to be extruded from the reservoir.

The rotation of the screw shaft 130, and more specifically the movementof the shutter fins 208 is further shown in partial perspective views ofMDSV 100 presented by FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C. In FIG. 3A, shutter fin 208Ais shown to be covering aperture 128 or valve. In FIG. 3B, the screwshaft 130 has been partially rotated such that shutter fin 208A is nowremoved from covering aperture 128 or valve, and shutter fin 208B hasnot yet rotated into place to cover aperture 128 or valve. In FIG. 3C,the screw shaft 130 has continued rotation and shutter fin 208B is nowpartially covering aperture 128 or valve. As the screw shaft 130finishes the partial rotation, shutter fin 208B will assume the positionof shutter fin 208A covering aperture 128 or valve as shown in FIG. 3A.Of course, other shutters 206 may be employed in varying embodimentsthat do not rely upon one or more shutter fins 208 extending from thescrew shaft 130.

FIG. 3B also presents alternative embodiment options for a valve 400disposed within aperture 128. In varying embodiments, valve 400 may beprovided as a septum 402, or a more robust one-way valve 404 operatingto allow the extrusion of liquid concentrate 116 from within thereservoir 114 when and as pressure is applied by the plunger seal 132being advanced along the screw shaft 130 by rotation of the mouthpiece108.

Moreover, as is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, an embodiment of MDSV 100wherein the screw shaft 130 provides shutter fins 208, the liquidconcentrate 116 may be simply extruded through aperture 128 whenexposed. However, it will be understood and appreciated that valve 400may be used in cooperation with a screw shaft 130 providing shutter fins208, or in an alternative embodiment with a screw shaft 130 that doesnot provide shutter fins.

FIG. 4 presents an alternative embodiment for MDSV 100 wherein the screwshaft 130 does not provide shutter fins, and aperture 128 has beenenhanced as a valve 400, and more specifically a septum 402.

As shown in FIG. 5, for at least one embodiment, the leading-edge 600 ofeach shutter fin 208 is angled up, such that as the rear portion is inflat contact with the bottom (second end 136) of the reservoir 114, suchas the thermal isolator 138, the leading edge 600 is raised above thebottom (second end 136) of the reservoir 114 as indicated by dimension602. Moreover, as the shutter fins(s) 208 rotates, the raisedleading-edge scoops and directs liquid concentrate 116 into each of theat least one at least one aperture(s) 128 or valve(s), an action thatmay advantageously assist with the precise dispensation of the liquidconcentrate 116.

With respect to FIG. 2 and especially the enlarged section 302 of MDSV100, the location of thermal isolator 138 may also be appreciated for atleast one embodiment. The thermal isolator 138 may also performadditional functions, such as also sealing the second end 136 of thereservoir 114 when each shutter fin 208 is disposed to cover each of theat least one at least one aperture(s) 128 or valve(s). For at least oneembodiment the thermal isolator is a flexible material such as, but notlimited to rubber or Teflon®. For at least one alternative embodimentthe thermal isolator may be formed from but not limited to a glass,ceramic or composite material. In addition, the surface of the thermalisolator 138 exposed to the reservoir may be coated or treated with asmoothing/slickening agent.

It will also be appreciated that below the at least one aperture 128 orvalve, is a port 304 structured and arranged to direct the extrudedliquid concentrate 116 into the vaporizing chamber 306, and morespecifically onto the diffuser element 308 which is disposed in thermalcontact with a heater 310. For at least one embodiment, port 304 isprovided by a metal element, such as stainless steel, which may beformed as an, or intended to further thermally isolate the reservoir 114from the vaporizing chamber 306.

As is also shown in the enlarged section 302, the vaporizing chamber 306is a substantially enclosed space defined by outer walls 312 thatgenerally surround the vaporizing element such as the diffuser element308 and thus substantially insulates the reservoir 114 and liquidconcentrate 116 therein from detrimental heat exposure when the heater310 is activated to achieve vaporization. More simply stated, theelement(s) achieving vaporization within the vaporizing chamber 306 areconfigured achieve vaporization of the dispensed liquid concentrate 116to properly and consistently, but these elements are also disposed in aspecific location and isolated so as not to inadvertently degrade theun-dispensed liquid concentrate 116 remaining in the reservoir 114thorough exposure to high temperatures. For at least one embodiment, thevaporizing chamber 306 may also have insulation between the heater 310and the attacher 112 so as not to inadvertently heat the attached powersupport, such as a 510 battery.

For at least one embodiment the diffuser element 308 is structured andarranged to receive the liquid concentrate 116 and present itproximately to a heat source provided by the MDSV 100 such that theliquid concentrate 116 may be vaporized. Further still, for at least oneembodiment the diffuser element 308 is a thermally conductive porousmaterial. Surface tension of the liquid concentrate 116 and choice ofmaterials, such as but not limited to metal, glass, ceramic or compositescreens, perforated sheets, or woven constructs permit the diffuserelement 308 to receive, and in at least one embodiment, wick the liquidconcentrate across/throughout the diffuser element 308 to promoteuniform and substantially consistent vaporization. It will be understoodand appreciated that the use of capillary action within the vaporizingchamber to advantageously facilitate substantially complete vaporizationis entirely different from, and unrelated to the active extrusion of themetered dose of a known quantity of liquid concentrate 116 as describedabove.

For at least one embodiment, the diffuser element 308 is metal, such asbut not limited to gold, stainless steel, brass or tungsten steel. Foranother embodiment, the diffuser element 308 may be provided by metalplating/deposition upon a substrate. For yet another embodiment thediffuser element 308 is ceramic, glass or glass fiber. For still yetanother embodiment, the diffuser element 308 is synthetic or organicfiber. It will also be understood and appreciated that as differentembodiments of MDSV 100 may provide different liquid concentrates,different diffuser elements 308 may be specifically selected that aremost suitable for the different liquid concentrates 116.

As such, MDSV 100 advantageously permits the most suitable diffuserelement 308 to be paired with the liquid concentrate 116 of a given MDSV100. In other words, for at least one embodiment the operation andefficiency of the MDSV 100 is improved as the need to provide a genericdiffuser element suitable for many liquid concentrates, but notspecifically optimized for one liquid concentrate is eliminated as eachMDSV 100 provides its own optimized diffuser element 308.

It will also be noted that for at least one embodiment, the diffuserelement 308 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis 110 of the MDSV100 so as to further assist with the dispersal of the extruded liquidconcentrate 116 for vaporization. In varying embodiments, the diffuserelement 308 may also be disposed at least partially within a protectivesleeve as a porous insert, the protective sleeve having a plurality ofapertures, which in combination with pores within the porous insertpermit air to flow through the diffuser element 308 thereby assisting inremoving the resulting vapor and conducting it into the vapor conduit120 for delivery from the opening in the mouthpiece 108 to the user.

It will be appreciated that, for at least one embedment, MDSV 100provides one or more air intake ports 314 for the intake of air which isconducted into the vaporizing chamber 306. In varying embodiments, theair may be conducted through ports in the bottom of the vaporizingchamber 306, and/or the sidewalls of the vaporizing chamber 306. It willalso be appreciated that in varying embodiments the air intake ports 314may be protected with mesh or filter material so as to reduce thepossible contamination of the vaporizing chamber and diffuser element308 with foreign airborne particulates.

With respect to FIG. 2. it may also be appreciated that the vaporconduit 120 fluidly interconnecting the vaporizing chamber to theopening 122 in the mouthpiece 108 is substantially straight, providingno turns, bends or elements of redirection. As such it is appreciatedthat the vapor traveling through the vapor conduit 120 has minimalinteraction with the sidewalls of the vapor conduit 120. As such,although for at least one embodiment the vapor conduit 120 passescentrally through the reservoir 114, there is a negligible transfer ofheat from the passing vapor to the remaining liquid concentrate 116within the reservoir 114. For at least one embodiment, the vapor conduit120 may be structured and arranged to provide some measure of heatinsulation between the vapor conduit and the reservoir through thechoice of materials, dual wall construction, or combinations thereof.The vapor conduit 120 may also be coated internally or externally withan insulating material.

As is shown in the enlarged section of 302 of FIG. 2, air (representedas light dotted lines 320) has been illustrated entering through airintake ports 314. This air passes through internal passageways so as tobe delivered proximate to the diffuser 308. In varying embodiments thesepassages may be through the outer walls 312 or bottom of the vaporizingchamber 306. For at least one embodiment, the air 320 passes through thediffuser element 308 upon which has been dispensed a metered dose ofliquid concentrate 116 (again represented as dots). As this liquidconcentrate is vaporized, the air 320 becomes enriched (represented asheavy dotted lines 332), and continues through the vapor conduit 120 tothe mouthpiece 108 where it is provided to the user.

With respect to FIG. 2 the nature of the attacher 112 for connecting theMDSV 100 to a power source, such as a 510 battery may also be furtherappreciated. Use of an external power supply may advantageously reducethe costs and complexity of manufacturing each MDSV 100, as well asensure that external power sources are not wasted simply because thereservoir has been depleted, or that remaining concentrate is wastedupon the depletion of an internal power supply.

For at least one embodiment, the MDSV 100 may be dependent upon anexternal trigger, such as a button, that is provided as a component ofthe remote power supply for activation of the MDSV 100 to vaporize themetered dose of liquid concentrate disposed into the vaporizing chamber.For at least one embodiment, the MDSV 100 may further include anengager, such as a trigger switch that is reset with the rotation of themouthpiece 108 and activation of the metered rotation driven dispenser124, such a trigger preventing re-activation of the heating element whenliquid concentrate has not been disposed into the vaporizing chamber.

For all embodiments described herein of MDSV 100, there is intended tobe an activator, structured and arranged to activate the MDSV 100 bypermitting an electrical connection between the MDSV 100, and morespecifically heater 310 or other electrical device that is primarilyresponsible for transforming the predetermined amount of extruded liquidconcentrate 116, and the and the power source (such as the 510 battery)for a first period of time, the power permitting the MDSV 100 togenerate heat and vaporize the predetermined amount of extruded liquidconcentrate 116.

In varying embodiments, the activator may be a component of the powersource (such as the 510 battery) or the activator may be a component ofthe MDSV 100 itself, such as a push button 316.

Although the dosing vaporizer system as shown and described herein isgenerally intended for embodiments of stand-alone operation (whencoupled to a power source), for at least one alternative embodiment, theMDSV 100 system may be further enhanced with a controller, e.g. controlunit 318 having electrical circuitry with a processor configured and/oradapted to control the heat energy generated by the heater 310 toachieve vaporization of the metered dose of liquid concentrate 116disposed into the vaporizing chamber 306.

For at least one embodiment, the control unit 318 may further includememory and/or wireless communication circuitry, e.g., a transceiver,that may interface with one or more external computing devices toreceive instructions and/or parameters for operation. Moreover, for atleast one embodiment, the processor of the control unit 318 is operableto interface with the vaporizing element, such as heater 310 ornebulizer, as well as the transceiver to provide operationcharacteristics such as but not limited to use cycle, duty cycle,remaining dosages, frequency of use, etc. The processor may be furtheroperable to interface with the transceiver to receive parameters foruse, such as heating duration and heating temperature or otheroperational characteristics that may be affected by the user's location,i.e., a dry climate vs. a humid climate.

The processor may also be operable to receive and/or confirm that theuser is authorized to use the vaporizing device. For example, does theuser have an account, are the of the proper age, do they have aprescription, has a sufficient time passed since the last activation,etc.

Indeed, for at least one embodiment, such further operational advantagesmay be facilitated by a remote application operating on a user's mobiledevice such as a smart phone (i.e., an iPhone®, Android® or anotherportable device). Such devices may further scan, read or otherwiseobtain a unique marking or characteristic (e.g., QR code, RFID chip,barcode, serial number, etc.) that is provided by or upon the MDSV 100as a unique identifier 140 (see FIGS. 1A & 1B) to provide uniqueidentification of the vaporizing device and/or the liquid concentratetherein. For at least one embodiment, the unique identifier 140 may beencoded in the memory of the control unit as well as externallyprovided. The unique identifier 140 may also be associated with a userand/or the provider of the liquid concentrate for life cycle tracking,usage tracking, and or other data collecting and utilization efforts asmay be desired to improve performance of MDSV 100, and/or the user'sinteractions therewith.

With such unique identification, the application can determine and/orspecify various operational parameters for the vaporizing device, and/orfurther communicate with one or more remote systems (such as databases)to further confirm user identity through verification of the useraccount and/or local biometric data (picture, finger print, etc.), GPSlocation and comparison for verification that use of the dosingvaporizer system is permitted (or not prohibited), and other suchactivities and features to improve and enhance the users experience andutility with the vaporizing system.

The remote computing device such as a smart phone (i.e., an iPhone®,Android® or other portable device), a remote application suitable andadaptable for controlling an embodiment of MDSV 100 with a control unit318, and a remote database providing information relating to the uniqueidentifier as may be determined by a user's computing device such as asmart phone, are detailed in the '967 Patent, the '674 Application, the'193 Application, the '665 Patent, and '666 Patent, each incorporatedherein by reference.

FIG. 6 presents an alternative embodiment of a MDSV 100, with clicker600 disposed between the mouthpiece 108 and the housing 102. In contrastto the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the housing 102 andmouthpiece 108 as shown in FIG. 4 have a different cross sectiongeometry. Moreover, the cross section of the mouthpiece and housing mayvary in different embodiments without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. Indeed, for at least one embodiment, it may bedesirable for the housing 102 and the mouthpiece 108 to havenon-circular cross sections, such that they may be more easily graspedby a user to facilitate the user's rotation of the mouthpiece 108relative to the housing 102 to drive the metered rotation drivendispenser 124.

In addition, the orientation of MDSV 100 in FIG. 6 is reversed from thatshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In this reversed orientation, the nature ofthe attacher 112 as a screw fitting for a 510 battery may be more fullyappreciated.

FIG. 6 presents a partially exploded view of the embodiment of the MDSV100 as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 should be understood and appreciated notto be a definitive presentation of the elements and components providinga MDSV 100, but rather as an overview of the general elements andcomponents as may be utilized in providing at least one embodiment of aMDSV 100. Moreover, in FIG. 7, the base post 800, insulating gromet 802and metallic screw base 804 of the 510 battery attacher base are shown,as is a screw shaft 130/806 disposed upon thermal isolator 138/808having an aperture 128/810. A plunger seal 132/812 with outer O-Ringseal 814 are engaged about the screw shaft 130/806.

An insulated vaporizing chamber assembly 816 providing appropriateelectrical connections to the screw base 804, and incorporating acontrol unit (not shown) receives a ceramic heater 310/818 disposedwithin an insulating sleeve 820, and collective disposed in an outermetal and insulating housing 822 with one or more O-rings 824 to seal,support and isolate the vaporizing chamber assembly within the housing102/826 of the MDSV 100. For the embodiment shown, an optional exteriormetal collar 828 is also provided to be disposed about the housing102/626 proximate to the vaporizer chamber assembly 816.

A click plate 830 is disposed between the housing 102/826 and themouthpiece 108/832. The click plate may be further structured andarranged so as to permit only one-way rotation of the mouthpiece 108/832relative to the housing 102/826. Such one-way rotation may befacilitated by the use of springs, spring teeth or arms, a ratchetelement, or such other element as may be deemed appropriate in one ormore embodiments. For at least one embodiment, the housing 102/826 istranslucent, if not transparent, such that a user may visually observethe amount of liquid concentrate within the reservoir of the assembledMDSV 100.

Having disclosed various embodiments for MDSV 100 as described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-8, it will be understood and appreciated that amethod for vaporizing a product, such as liquid concentrate 116 may beperformed with any of the above noted embodiments.

More specifically, according to at least one embodiment a method forvaporizing a product, is provided by: providing a housing 102 providing;a first end 104 and opposite thereto a second end 106; a mouthpiece 108disposed proximate to the first end 104, the mouthpiece 108 structuredand arranged to rotate about the first end 104; an attacher 112 disposedproximate to the second end 106, the attacher 112 structured andarranged for removable attachment to a power source; a reservoir 114 ofliquid concentrate 116 within the housing 102; a vaporizer 118 disposedproximate to the attacher 112 and thermally isolated from the reservoir114; an vapor conduit 120 passing generally from the vaporizer, throughthe housing 102 to the mouthpiece 108; a metered rotation drivendispenser structured and arranged to apply a predetermined force uponthe reservoir 114 to dispense from the reservoir 114 into the vaporizera predetermined amount of liquid concentrate 116, the metered rotationdriven dispenser coupled to the mouthpiece 108; rotating the mouthpiece108 to activate the metered rotation driven dispenser to dispense apredetermined amount of liquid concentrate 116 into the vaporizer; andactivating the vaporizer to vaporize the dispensed liquid concentrate116 into a vapor that is provided to a user through the mouthpiece 108.

Changes may be made in the above methods, systems and structures withoutdeparting from the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the mattercontained in the above description and/or shown in the accompanyingdrawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense. Indeed, many other embodiments are feasible and possible, as willbe evident to one of ordinary skill in the art. The claims that followare not limited by or to the embodiments discussed herein, but arelimited solely by their terms and the Doctrine of Equivalents.

What is claimed:
 1. A metered dosing vaporizer system comprising: ahousing providing a first end and opposite thereto a second end; amouthpiece disposed proximate to the first end, the mouthpiecestructured and arranged to rotate about the first end; an attacherdisposed proximate to the second end, the attacher structured andarranged for removable attachment to a power source; a reservoir ofliquid concentrate within the housing; a vaporizer disposed proximate tothe attacher and thermally isolated from the reservoir; a vapor conduitpassing generally from the vaporizer, through the housing to themouthpiece; and a metered rotation driven dispenser structured andarranged to apply a predetermined force upon the reservoir to dispensefrom the reservoir into the vaporizer a predetermined amount of liquidconcentrate, wherein the metered rotation driven dispenser is coupled tothe mouthpiece.
 2. The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 1,wherein the metered rotation driven dispenser comprises: an aperturedisposed between the reservoir and the vaporizer; and a screw plungerstructured and arranged to apply a predetermined force upon thereservoir to dispense from the aperture a predetermined amount of liquidconcentrate into the vaporizer, the rotation of the mouthpiece inducinga degree of rotation to the screw plunger, the degree of rotationpre-selected to advance the screw plunger against the liquid concentrateof the reservoir to dispense the predetermined amount of the liquidconcentrate.
 3. The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 2, whereinthe aperture is gated by a shutter.
 4. The metered dosing vaporizersystem of claim 3, wherein the screw plunger further provides at leastone shutter fin structured and arranged to alternatively cover andexpose the aperture as the screw plunger is rotated.
 5. The metereddosing vaporizer system of claim 4, wherein the at least one shutter finhas a raised leading edge providing an angled surface to direct liquidconcentrate into the aperture as the screw plunger is rotated.
 6. Themetered dosing vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the aperture is aone way valve.
 7. The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 1,wherein the attacher is a 510 battery connector.
 8. The metered dosingvaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece is structured andarranged for one way rotation.
 9. The metered dosing vaporizer system ofclaim 1, further including a thermal isolator disposed between thevaporizer and the reservoir of liquid concentrate.
 10. The metereddosing vaporizer system of claim 1, further including an audibleindicator structured and arranged to produce an audible indication thata predetermined dosage of liquid concentrate has been extruded from thereservoir, by activation of the metered rotation driven dispenser. 11.The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 1, further including aunique identifier permitting unique identification of the dosingvaporizer system and determination of the liquid concentrate.
 12. Ametered dosing vaporizer system comprising: a housing providing a firstend and opposite thereto a second end; a mouthpiece disposed proximateto the first end, the mouthpiece structured and arranged to rotate aboutthe first end; a 510 battery connector disposed proximate to the secondend, the battery connector structured and arranged for removableattachment to a battery; a reservoir of liquid concentrate within thehousing; a vaporizer disposed proximate to the 510 battery connector andthermally isolated from the reservoir; a central vapor conduit passinggenerally from the vaporizer, through the housing to the mouthpiece; anaperture disposed between the reservoir and the vaporizer; and a screwplunger structured and arranged to apply a predetermined force upon thereservoir to dispense from the aperture a predetermined amount of liquidconcentrate into the vaporizer, the rotation of the mouthpiece inducinga degree of rotation to the screw plunger, the degree of rotationpre-selected to advance the screw plunger against the liquid concentrateof the reservoir to dispense the predetermined amount of the liquidconcentrate.
 13. The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 12,wherein the aperture is gated by a shutter.
 14. The metered dosingvaporizer system of claim 12, claim 13, wherein the screw plungerfurther provides at least one shutter fin structured and arranged toalternatively cover and expose the aperture as the screw plunger isrotated.
 15. The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 14, whereinthe at least one shutter fin as a raised leading edge providing anangled surface to direct liquid concentrate into the aperture as thescrew plunger is rotated.
 16. The metered dosing vaporizer system ofclaim 12, wherein the mouthpiece is structured and arranged for one wayrotation.
 17. The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 12, whereinthe central vapor conduit extends through the screw plunger.
 18. Themetered dosing vaporizer system of claim 12, further including a thermalisolator disposed between the vaporizer and the reservoir of liquidconcentrate.
 19. The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 12,further including an audible indicator structured and arranged toproduce an audible indication that a predetermined dosage of liquidconcentrate has been extruded from the reservoir, by activation of themetered rotation driven dispenser.
 20. The metered dosing vaporizersystem of claim 12, further including a unique identifier permittingunique identification of the dosing vaporizer system and determinationof the liquid concentrate.
 21. A metered dosing vaporizer systemcomprising: a handheld device having a first end and opposite thereto asecond end, with a longitudinal axis therebetween; the first end definedby a mouthpiece structured and arranged for one way rotation about thelongitudinal axis; the second end defined by an attacher, structured andarranged for removable attachment to a power source; a housing disposedbetween the mouthpiece and the attacher, the housing at least partiallyenclosing: a reservoir of liquid concentrate; a vaporizer disposedproximate to the attacher and thermally isolated from the reservoir; avapor conduit coupling the vaporizer to the mouthpiece; and a metereddispenser structured and arranged to dispense from the reservoir intothe vaporizer a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate upon apre-selected degree of rotation of the mouthpiece; and an activator,structured and arranged to activate the vaporizer by permitting aconnection between the vaporizer and the power source for a first periodof time, the power permitting the vaporizer to generate heat andvaporize the predetermined amount of liquid concentrate dispensed. 22.The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 21, wherein the metereddispenser comprises: a rotatable shaft disposed generally about thelongitudinal axis, the rotatable shaft having a first end in mechanicalconnection with the mouthpiece, and a second portion in mechanicalconnection with a plunger seal disposed as a first end of the reservoirof liquid concentrate opposite from the vaporizer; an aperture oppositefrom the plunger seal and disposed between the reservoir and thevaporizer; and wherein the rotatable shaft is structured and arranged tomove the plunger seal towards the vaporizer, applying a predeterminedforce upon the reservoir to dispense the predetermined amount of liquidfrom the one-way valve into the vaporizer.
 23. The metered dosingvaporizer system of claim 22, wherein the aperture is gated by ashutter.
 24. The dosing vaporizer system of claim 23, wherein the screwplunger further provides at least one shutter fin structured andarranged to alternatively cover and expose the aperture as the screwplunger is rotated.
 25. The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 24,wherein the at least one shutter fin as a raised leading edge providingan angled surface to direct liquid concentrate into the aperture as thescrew plunger is rotated.
 26. The metered dosing vaporizer system ofclaim 22, wherein the attacher is a 510 battery connector.
 27. Themetered dosing vaporizer system of claim 22, wherein the vaporizer isdisposed physically separate from the reservoir of liquid concentrate.28. The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 22, further including athermal isolator disposed between the vaporizer and the reservoir ofliquid concentrate.
 29. The metered dosing vaporizer system of claim 22,wherein the vapor conduit is provided at least in part by a hollowpassage through the rotatable shaft.
 30. The metered dosing vaporizersystem of claim 22, further including a unique identifier permittingunique identification of the dosing vaporizer system and determinationof the liquid concentrate.